Accessory Decorating System and Method of Using the Same

ABSTRACT

An ear covering device that includes a surface that can be drawn on, written on, colored on, and/or decorated by a user is disclosed. In one embodiment, the surface corresponds to the outer surface of the ear covering device. Accordingly, a user can draw or create an object on a portion of the ear covering device that is visible to other people. In another embodiment, the ear covering device can include more than one area that can be decorated by a user.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/949,190, filed Jul. 11, 2007, Attorney DocketNo. 0100.0092P, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an accessory decorating system. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a system that includes anaccessory that can be decorated by a user and articles that can be usedto decorate the accessory. More specifically, the accessory is a devicethat can be worn on the head of an individual to keep the user's earswarm. Such an accessory can be referred to as an ear covering device orear warmer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The accessory decorating system includes an accessory that can be wornon a user's head. In one embodiment, the accessory is an ear coveringdevice that is configured to cover a user's ears. The ear coveringdevice can include a shell and a frame. The shell can be formed byseveral fabric membranes that are coupled together to form an interiorregion into which the frame can be inserted. The frame can have eitheran adjustable length or a fixed length. In another embodiment, the earcovering device includes a frame and several shell portions that cover aportion of the frame and that are removably coupleable to the frame.

In the present invention, an ear covering device includes a surface thatcan be drawn on, written on, colored on, and/or decorated by a user. Inone embodiment, the surface corresponds to the outer surface of the earcovering device. Accordingly, a user can draw or create an object on aportion of the ear covering device that is visible to other people. Inanother embodiment, the ear covering device can include more than onearea that can be decorated by a user.

In one embodiment, the decorating system includes a set of writinginstruments. The decorating system can also include drawing utensils,including stencils and other pattern making devices. In otherembodiments, the decorating system can include items, such as beads andother small objects, that can be connected to a portion of the earcovering device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an ear covering device as worn by anindividual.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the ear covering device illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a set of membranes or membrane portions that can becoupled together to form a shell for an ear covering device.

FIG. 4 illustrates another set of membranes or membrane portions thatcan be coupled together to form a shell for an ear covering device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a frame of the earcovering device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a kit or system that includes an ear covering device,writing implements, and drawing guides according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of an earcovering device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an outer membrane ofan ear covering device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an outermembrane of an ear covering device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ear covering deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a shell portion foruse with the ear covering device of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure. The terms “drawn on,” “written on,”“colored,” “created,” “decorated” and other terms similar thereto areused interchangeably herein to represent any actions taken by a user tocreate a line, image, object, picture, sketch, text, or the like on anarticle, which in this invention is an accessory. The terms “accessory,”“ear covering device,” “ear protection device,” and “ear warmer” may beused interchangeably herein to refer to a device or structure that isconfigured to be worn by an individual to cover the ears of theindividual. The terms “writing instrument” and “writing implement” maybe used interchangeably herein to refer to a device that can bemanipulated by a user to create a line, image, etc. as identified above.

An embodiment of an accessory or an ear covering device is illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2. The ear covering device 10 is adapted to be worn overthe ears of an individual 5. When it is worn, the ear covering device 10extends around the back of the head and/or neck of the wearer.

The ear covering device 10 includes a middle or band portion 12 and twoear portions 14 and 16. Only one side of the ear covering device 10 isillustrated in FIG. 1. The opposite side of ear covering device 10 isillustrated in FIG. 2. As shown, the band portion 12 is relativelynarrower than the ear portions 14 and 16. In alternative embodiments,the relative dimensions of the band portion 12 and the ear portions 14and 16 can vary relative to each other.

Referring to FIG. 2, a top view of the ear covering device 10 isillustrated. The ear covering device 10 is illustrated in its deployedconfiguration 30 in which the ear portions 14 and 16 are spaced apartfrom each other. This spacing is achieved due to the flexing of the bandportion 12 and the ear portions 14 and 16. With the ear portions 14 and16 spaced apart, the ear covering device 10 can be placed on the head ofan individual. The spring force created by the band portion 12 of theear covering device 10 causes the ear portions 14 and 16 to engageagainst the side of the head of the individual 5. The spring force ofthe band is contemplated to be sufficient to engage the user's head sothat the ear covering device 10 does not fall off. However, the springforce is desired to be limited so that the ear covering device 10 is notuncomfortable to wear.

The ear covering device 10 includes a fabric shell 24 in which a frameis disposed. In one embodiment, the shell 24 includes a binding 18around the perimeter of the shell 24 and ear covering device 10.Referring to FIG. 2, the shell 24 includes an inner surface 20 and anouter surface 22. When the ear covering device 10 is worn by anindividual, the inner surface 20 is disposed proximate to theindividual's head, neck and/or ears. The outer surface 22 is disposed onthe outer side of the device 10 and exposed away from the individual. Inan alternative embodiment, the ear covering device 10 does not includeany binding around the perimeter and the membranes are coupled together.In that embodiment, the coupling portion of the membranes is disposedwithin the interior region of the shell 24.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, embodiments of shells for use in theconstruction of an ear covering device are illustrated. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the shell includes an inner membrane40 and an outer membrane 42. The inner membrane 40 comprises a middlemembrane 44 and two ear membranes 46 and 48. The middle membrane 44 andear membranes 46 and 48 collectively form and function as an innermembrane. The outer membrane 42 is a one-piece membrane that has amiddle portion 52 and ear portions 50 and 54. The portions of the innermembrane 40 and the outer membrane 42 may be coupled together using anytechnology, including but not limited to, sewing, bonding, adhesives, orwelding. When the inner membrane 40 and the outer membrane 42 arecoupled together, they form the shell and an interior regiontherebetween.

Referring to FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the shell 60 includes an outermembrane 62 and an inner membrane 70. In this embodiment, the outermembrane 62 is a one-piece member that includes ear portions 64 and 66and a middle portion 68. Similarly, the inner membrane 70 is a one-piecemember that includes ear portions 72 and 74 and a middle portion 76. Theouter membrane 60 and the inner membrane 70 may be coupled using anytechnology, similar to the membranes illustrated in FIG. 3. When coupledtogether, the outer membrane 60 and the inner membrane 70 form aninterior region therebetween.

An embodiment of a frame that can be used in an ear covering device isillustrated in FIG. 5. The frame 80 is configured to be disposed andretained within the shell of ear covering device 10. In this embodiment,the frame 80 includes a band 86 that is adjustable in length. The band86 includes two slidably coupled band portions 88 and 90 that can beadjusted by a user to change the length of the band 86. The frame 80includes ear frame members 82 and 84 that are coupled to opposite endsof the band portion 86 by conventional connectors 92 and 94, such asrivets. Each of the connectors 92 and 94 is configured to enable thecorresponding ear frame member 82 or 84 to pivot about the connectorrelative to the band 86. The components of the frame 80 are manufacturedfrom a molded plastic material, such as CRASTIN.

In an alternative embodiment, the ear frame members can be fixedlycoupled or integrally formed with the band portion. In anotherembodiment, the length of the band may be fixed and not adjustable. Forexample, the band may be formed by a single member or by several piecesthat do not move relative to each other. Additionally, the frame usedwith a shell of the ear covering device can have any configuration andis not limited to the frame illustrated in FIG. 5.

Exemplary ear covering devices, including frames, shells, membranes, andother components of such devices are set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,835,609; 6,499,146; 6,502,248; and 6,735,784, and the disclosures ofeach of those four patents is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety for all purposes.

An embodiment of a kit or system according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 6. The decorating kit or system 100 includes anaccessory or ear covering device 110. The system 100 can also include aset 120 of writing implements that can be used to color, drawn on, ordecorate the ear covering device 110. The system 100 can also includedrawing aids, such as stencils 118 and 128, that can be used to decoratethe ear covering device 110.

In this embodiment, the ear covering device 110 includes a shell 112that has an outer surface 114 that extends from proximate to shell end111 to a location proximate to shell end 113. A portion of the outersurface 114 forms a decorating or drawing region or area 116. Inalternative embodiments, the size, shape, color or configuration of theear covering device 110 can vary.

The implement set 120 includes several writing implements 122, 124 and126, which can be provided and sold with the ear covering device 110.Each of the implements 122, 124 and 126 can be used to create an objector image in region 116 of the ear covering device 110. Each of theimplements 122, 124, and 126 can be a different color. In oneembodiment, the implements are washable non-toxic fabric pens ormarkers. For example, the implements can be water-based fabric pens ormarkers. In alternative embodiments, the quantity of implements as wellas the colors of the implements can change in different embodiments.

As mentioned above, the decorating system 100 can include severaldrawing aids 118 and 128 that can be provided and/or sold with the earcovering device 110 and the implement set 120. In this embodiment, thedrawing aids 118 and 128 are stencils that have openings 119 and 129,respectively, in a particular pattern. The openings 119 in stencil 118form the image of a flower. The openings 129 in stencil 128 form theimage of a face. A user can use the aids 118 and 128 with the implementsto draw on the decorating region or area of the ear covering device 110.The quantity, size, configuration, and pattern of the drawing aidsprovided as part as or for use with the decorating system 100 can varyin different embodiments.

In one embodiment, the decorating system 100 can include objects thatcan be mounted or coupled to the ear covering device 110. For example,the system 100 can include beads or bead-like objects 115 through whicha string 125 can be inserted and subsequently attached to the earcovering device 110.

Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of an ear covering deviceaccording to the present invention is illustrated. The ear coveringdevice 130 includes a shell 132 that has an outer surface 134. As shown,the outer surface 134 includes a first material portion 136 and a secondmaterial portion 138. The first material portion 136 can have an end 140that forms a transition edge between the first material portion 136 andthe second material portion 138. The material portions 136 and 138 canbe coupled together using any conventional technique to form the outermembrane of the ear covering device 130.

In one embodiment, the first material portion 136 and the secondmaterial portion 138 are two different materials. The first materialportion 136 can be formed of a material that allows a user to write ordraw on the portion 136 using one of the implements. An exemplarymaterial that can be used for portion 136 is a canvas or a stretchablecanvas material. In other embodiments, different materials can be usedso long as a user can write or draw on the material. The second materialportion 138 can be a different material that has some stretchingfunctionality to allow for adjustments to the length of the frame withinthe ear covering device 130. An exemplary material is a knitted fleecematerial.

As shown in FIG. 7, items or objects 150 and 152 can be drawn or createdin the decorating area on the outer surface 134 of the first materialportion 138 of the ear covering device 130. Any number of objects can bedrawn on the first material portion and each can have any shape, coloror form. If a washable implement is used to create an item or object,the user can hand wash the item or object off of the decorating area.Alternatively, the ear covering device 130 can be placed in a washingmachine to remove the item or object. Also shown in FIG. 7 are somedecorating objects 115 that have been attached to the ear coveringdevice 110 via string 125. Any number and configuration of objects 115can be attached to the ear covering device 110. The objects 115 can beattached at any location on the device 110 and are not limited to thefirst material portion 138.

An embodiment of an outer membrane according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 8. Outer membrane 160 is exemplary of an outermembrane that can be used as part of the ear covering device 130. Outermembrane 160 includes an outer surface 162 that has several differentmaterial portions. In particular, the outer membrane 160 includes afirst material portion 164 that forms one ear portion of the membrane160, a second material portion 166 that forms a second ear portion ofthe membrane 160, and a third material portion 168 that is disposedbetween portions 164 and 166.

The portions 164, 166, and 168 are coupled together as usingconventional techniques to form the outer membrane 160. For example, theends of adjacent portions can be sewn or adhered to each other. Thefirst portion 164 includes an end 172 and the second portion 166includes an end 170. While the ends 170 and 172 are illustrated ashaving different shapes, in alternative embodiments, the ends can besimilarly shaped or configured.

The first portion 164 and the second portion 166 can be formed of thesame material. In this embodiment, the first and second portions 164 and166 can be formed of material that can be colored or drawn upon, such asa canvas material. Accordingly, a user could draw on the first portion164 and/or the second portion 166 using one of the writing implements.The third portion 168 can be formed of a knitted material, such asfleece. The colors of the material portions can vary. For example, thefirst portion 164 and the second portion 166 can be formed of a whitecanvas material and the third portion 168 can be formed of a fleece of adark color, such as a black.

In an alternative embodiment, the outer membrane can be formed byplacing the first and second material portions 164 and 166 on top of athird material portion 168 that extends the full length of the outermembrane 160. The first and second material portions 164 and 166 can becoupled along their perimeters to the third material portion 168 usingany conventional technique or process, such as sewing.

An alternative embodiment of an outer membrane according to the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 9. Outer membrane 180 has an outersurface 182 that is formed by a single piece of material that extendsthe full length of the outer membrane 180. In this embodiment, theentire outer surface 182 is a decorating area or region that can be usedto write or draw thereon.

An alternative embodiment of an ear covering device according to thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10-11. Ear covering device 200includes a frame 210 with a band portion 212 and two ear portions (onlyframe ear portion 214 being shown), each of which is coupled to an endof the band portion 212. Each of the ear portions is pivotally coupledto of the band portion 212. Exemplary ear covering devices, frames andmethod of making and using the same are disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2005/0034216A1 (which is the publication ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/638,476) and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2005/0034218A1 (which is the publication of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/693,607), and the entire disclosure of each ofthese two Patent Application Publications is incorporated by referencein its entirety for all purposes.

As shown, a large portion of the frame 210 is exposed and not covered bya shell or any fabric material. The ear covering device 200 includes twoshell portions 220 and 230, each of which is coupled to the one of theear portions of the frame. The shell portions 220 and 230 can be removedfrom the frame 210 and washed, either by hand or by machine.

Referring to FIG. 11, shell portion 220 is illustrated as having beenremoved from the frame 210. Shell portion 220 includes a couplingstructure 222 around its perimeter and an end 224 that can be grasped bya user. Coupling structure 222 is a molded elastomeric material that isused to couple the shell portion 220 to the frame ear portion 214. Themajority of the shell portion 220 is a fabric portion 226, which isformed with the coupling structure 222. The fabric portion 226 includesan outer surface 228 and is formed of a material, such as stretchablecanvas, that facilitates the drawing on the outer surface 228. The outersurface 228 forms a decorating area or region on which a user can drawor write. Exemplary objects 240 and 242 that can be drawn on surface 228are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Shell portion 230 is structurally similar to shell portion 220. Shellportion 230 includes a coupling structure 232 and a fabric portion 236which has an outer surface (not shown) and an inner surface 238 that isconfigured to engage a user's ear. Shell portion 230 can be removed fromthe frame 210 in a manner similar to that described above for shellportion 220.

In various embodiments, the materials used for the drawing or decoratingregions of the outer membrane can be a material other than canvas orstretchable canvas, provided that the alternative material can be drawnor written on by a user with an implement as described above. In otherembodiments, the materials of the ear covering device can be configuredso that a user can draw or write on the inner surface of the shell or ashell portion.

Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modificationsand variations of this invention. For example, it is to be understoodthat terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,”“side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,”“exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like as may be used herein, merelydescribe points of reference and do not limit the present invention toany particular orientation or configuration.

While the invention has been described in detail and with references tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended thatthe present invention covers the modifications and variations of thisinvention.

1. A decorating system comprising: an ear covering device, the earcovering device being configured to cover a user's ears, the earcovering device comprising: a fabric shell, the fabric shell defining aninterior region, the fabric shell including a decorating portion that isconfigured so that a user can decorate thereon; and a frame, the framebeing inserted into the interior region; and a first decoratingimplement, the first decorating implement being configured so that auser can use the first decorating implement to draw on the decoratingportion; and a second decorating implement, the second decoratingimplement being different than the first decorating implement, thesecond decorating implement being configured so that a user can use thesecond decorating implement to draw on the decorating portion.
 2. Thedecorating system of claim 1, wherein the first decorating implement isa marker.
 3. The decorating system of claim 1, wherein the fabric shellincludes an outer membrane, the outer membrane including a firstmaterial portion and a second material portion, the first materialportion being different than the second material portion, the firstmaterial portion corresponding to the decorating portion.
 4. Thedecorating system of claim 3, wherein the first material portion is acanvas material.
 5. The decorating system of claim 4, wherein the secondmaterial portion is a stretchable material.
 6. The decorating system ofclaim 3, wherein the outer membrane includes a first ear portion, asecond ear portion, and a middle portion disposed between the first earportion and the second ear portion, and the first material portion islocated on the first ear portion.
 7. The decorating system of claim 6,wherein the middle portion corresponds to the second material portion.8. The decorating system of claim 1, wherein the fabric shell includesan outer membrane, the outer membrane including a first materialportion, a second material portion, and a third material portion, thefirst material portion being different than the second material portion,the third material portion being different than the second materialportion, the decorating portion being a first decorating portion, thefabric shell including a second decorating portion, the first materialportion corresponding to the first decorating portion, and the thirdmaterial portion corresponding to the second decorating portion.
 9. Thedecorating system of claim 8, wherein the outer membrane includes afirst ear portion, a second ear portion, and a middle portion, themiddle portion being disposed between the first ear portion and thesecond ear portion, the first decorating portion corresponding to thefirst ear portion, and the second decorating portion corresponding tothe second ear portion.
 10. The decorating system of claim 9, whereinthe first material portion has an end, the second material portion hasan end, and the end of the second material portion has a differentconfiguration than the end of the first material portion.
 11. Thedecorating system of claim 8, wherein the outer membrane has a first endand a second end opposite to the first end, the third material portionextending from the first end to the second end, the first materialportion being coupled to the third material portion, and the secondmaterial portion being coupled to the third material portion.
 12. Thedecorating system of claim 11, wherein the first material portioncorresponds to a first ear portion of the fabric shell and the secondmaterial portion corresponds to a second ear portion of the fabricshell.
 13. The decorating system of claim 1, wherein the fabric shellincludes an outer membrane, the outer membrane extending from a firstend of the fabric shell to a second end of the fabric shell, thedecorating portion being disposed on the outer membrane extending fromthe first end of the fabric shell to the second end of the fabric shell.14. The decorating system of claim 1, further comprising: a drawing aid,the drawing aid being configured to be used with the first decoratingimplement to decorate the decorating portion of the fabric shell. 15.The decorating system of claim 14, wherein the drawing aid is a stencilwith at least one opening.
 16. The decorating system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a decorating object; and a coupler, the coupler beingconfigured to couple the decorating object to the fabric shell.
 17. Thedecorating system of claim 16, wherein the decorating object is a bead,and the coupler is a string.
 18. The decorating system of claim 1,wherein the first decorating implement has a first color, and the seconddecorating implement has a second color, the second color beingdifferent than the first color.
 19. An accessory decorating systemcomprising: an ear covering device, the ear covering device beingconfigured to cover a user's ears, the ear covering device comprising: afabric shell, the fabric shell defining an interior region, the fabricshell including a decorating portion that is configured so that a usercan decorate thereon; and a frame, the frame being inserted into theinterior region; a decorating implement, the decorating implement beingconfigured to be used to draw on the decorating portion of the fabricshell; and a decorating object, the decorating object being configuredto be coupled to the decorating portion of the fabric shell.
 20. Acombination of an ear covering devices and a kit for decorating the earcovering device, the combination comprising: an ear covering device, theear covering device being configured to cover a user's ears, the earcovering device comprising: a fabric shell, the fabric shell defining aninterior region, the fabric shell including a decorating portion that isconfigured so that a user can decorate thereon; and a frame, the framebeing inserted into the interior region; a decorating implement, thedecorating implement being configured to be used to draw on thedecorating portion of the fabric shell; a drawing aid, the drawing aidbeing configured to be used with the decorating implement to draw on thedecorating portion of the fabric shell; a decorating object, thedecorating object being configured to be coupled to the fabric shell;and a coupler, the coupler being configured to couple the decoratingobject to the fabric shell.